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Hedonism, in everyday usage of the word, is the mindless surrender to the pleasure of the moment. An individual is called hedonistic if he gives in to feelings, lusts, and appetites. Various philosophical schools construct a more sophisticated system based on a “hedonic calculus” that attempts to avoid "the road to perdition" that surely results from the mindless pursuit of pleasure. Since immediate pleasure is felt more intensely than uncertain pain in the distant future, such attempts stand on weak ground.
Hedonism, in everyday usage of the word, is the mindless surrender to the pleasure of the moment. An individual is called hedonistic if he gives in to feelings, lusts, and appetites. Various philosophical schools construct a more sophisticated system based on a “hedonic calculus” that attempts to avoid "the road to perdition" that surely results from the mindless pursuit of pleasure. Since immediate pleasure is felt more intensely than uncertain pain in the distant future, such attempts stand on weak ground.
The classical attempt to ground ethics in a system of pleasure is [[Epicureanism]]. The cowardly withdrawal from the challenges and duties of civic life lead [[Cicero]] to disparage Epicurianism above all other classical schools. Cicero’s critique of this materialist and essentially atheist creed was absorbed by Christian philosophers.
The classical attempt to ground ethics in a system of pleasure is [[Epicureanism]]. The cowardly withdrawal from the challenges and duties of civic life led [[Cicero]] to disparage Epicurianism above all other classical schools. Cicero’s critique of this materialist and essentially atheist creed was absorbed by Christian philosophers.
[[John Locke]] presented a superior attempt at a “hedonic calculus” in his “Essay Concerning Human Understanding.” Interestingly enough, he held that the fear of consequences in the afterlife were important to make the calculations work. Thomas Jefferson held this view.
[[John Locke]] presented a superior attempt at a “hedonic calculus” in his “Essay Concerning Human Understanding.” Interestingly enough, he held that the fear of consequences in the afterlife were important to make the calculations work. Thomas Jefferson held this view.